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Kaylin Camidge

4x

Finalist

2x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Gardening
  • Reading
  • Concerts
  • Travel And Tourism
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family
  • Running

Reading

  • Academic
  • Cultural
  • History
  • Literature
  • Novels
  • Psychology
  • Science‎
  • Social Issues
  • Science Fiction
  • Health

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

Hello, I'm Kaylin, a medical student at Georgetown University with a passion for advancing health equity in marginalized communities. I aspire to become a primary care physician, focusing on service, advocacy, mental health, and social justice. Last year, I earned my Master’s in Public Health to gain skills in preventative health initiatives. My global health research investigates nutrition interventions to combat malnutrition and barriers preventing children from receiving essential hydrocephalus surgeries in Mozambique. At Georgetown, I am part of the Population Health Scholar's Track, where I research barriers to lung cancer screening to improve equity in cancer prevention. I also lead Georgetown's Street Medicine Outreach, providing food and health resources to unhoused individuals in Washington, D.C. As president of Georgetown's First Generation Organization, I support first-generation medical students as they transition to medical school. I graduated from Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College in 2020 with a B.S. in biology and psychology. During my undergraduate years, I volunteered as a wound care intern at a nursing home in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and taught health classes at underfunded high schools. During the pandemic, I worked with a public health organization to provide COVID-19 vaccination and testing resources to low-income communities in NYC. In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, live music, and caring for my houseplants. Thank you for viewing my profile!

Education

Saint Ambrose University

Master's degree program

2024 – 2025

Majors:
  • Public Health

Georgetown University

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

2022 – 2027

Majors:
  • Medicine

CUNY Brooklyn College

Bachelor's degree program

2016 – 2020

Majors:
  • Psychology, General
  • Biology, General
Minors:
  • Chemistry

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Georgetown University
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Global Health Intern

    Hospital & Health Care · Feeding the Change

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

  • Medical Assistant

    Hospital & Health Care · Bay Ridge Gastroenterology

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

  • Community Outreach Supervisor (Temp)

    Hospital & Health Care · AM Trace

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

  • Guest Service Agent

    Consumer Services · Statue Cruises

    Jan 2016 – Jan 2020

  • Administrative Assistant

    Hospital & Health Care · Mount Sinai Brooklyn

    Jan 2018 – Jan 2019

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Primary Care Physician
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Bick First Generation Scholarship
The first time I became palpably aware of my first-generation status in medical school was during our White Coat Ceremony. While the White Coat Ceremony traditionally celebrates the transition into medicine, it inevitably emphasizes a quieter divide in student backgrounds. Nearly half of my classmates were coated by parents, siblings, even grandparents who were all physicians themselves. Others, like me, waved to our families in the audience, who beamed with pride but carried no familiarity with the profession. I remember one classmate embraced by her immigrant parents, tears of joy and shame trickling down their faces. They apologized for not being “smart enough” to coat her, as if their support had been any less meaningful in their daughter’s medical journey. Throughout my pre-clinical years, that sense of difference was persistent and palpable. In group settings, classmates referenced advice from physician parents or relied on siblings’ notes to navigate exams and rotations. When I needed guidance, I resorted to online forums, piecing together study strategies and career decisions on my own. I worked side gigs and applied for scholarships to help manage expenses. At times, I questioned whether I truly belonged in a field where so many seemed to inherit a familiarity with medicine that I struggled to build. My perspective shifted during my family medicine rotation in Baltimore. There, I encountered patients navigating complex medical and social challenges. I met people with limited access to healthcare, histories of substance use or untreated mental health conditions, and deep mistrust of the healthcare system. Their experiences felt familiar. I was reminded of the communities I grew up in, and of family members who had faced similar struggles. I did not approach these patients with judgment, but with recognition. I understood that missed appointments, hesitation toward medications, or difficulty adhering to treatment plans should not always fall under the medical umbrella of “nonadherence,” but should be examined under the lens of complex lived realities. I found myself connecting easily to my patients, through shared experiences, similar upbringings, or an ability to communicate in ways that felt accessible and genuine. What once made me feel like an outsider in academic medicine became an asset in the clinic. As that shift occurred, the insecurity I had long carried began to lift. “Belonging” in medicine became less about being a cookie-cutter image of a doctor, and more about the ability to create connections across diverse patient backgrounds. More importantly, I recognized that many patients feel similar uncertainty I sometimes struggle with, unsure if they belong in healthcare spaces, or if they will be understood within them. As I near the end of medical school, I am proud of being first-generation in medicine. I am proud when attending physicians note my ability to translate complex medical concepts into language that feels accessible and empowering to patients. We each enter medicine with distinct backgrounds and perspectives, and rather than dividing us, these differences have the potential to deepen our connections with patients and strengthen the care we provide.
TRAM Panacea Scholarship
Approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents have a diagnosed mental or behavioral health disorder in the United States. Yet disparities to mental health care are stark and growing: roughly 10% of youth lack access to quality mental health services, with rates exceeding 50% in some rural communities. Long waitlists, fragmented care, and stigma compound barriers to access of care. Consequently, many young people are left navigating significant mental health challenges on their own, during formative years when timely intervention can be truly transformative. During my pediatrics rotation in Baltimore, the consequences of this shortage were impossible to ignore. I encountered several children who required psychiatric evaluation for complex mood or behavioral disorders. Their parents described six-month waitlists for specialists or practices that accepted only cash payments. For families already balancing work, transportation, and caregiving responsibilities, these barriers made care simply unattainable. In these circumstances, primary care becomes the key point of access to mental health services for these families seeking help. As a future family physician passionate about community mental health, I believe primary care is essential in addressing this growing gap in youth mental health disparities. Pediatricians and family physicians are often the most consistent healthcare contact for children, especially through annual well-child visits and sports physicals. Integrating behavioral health into primary care settings allows for earlier identification of mental health concerns, reduces stigma, and can help ensure timely intervention before symptoms escalate. In my future practice, I plan to implement an integrated behavioral health model in which mental health screening, brief interventions, and care coordination are embedded within routine primary care. On a more systemic level, I hope to collaborate with academic institutions and community-based organizations to develop training initiatives that empower primary care physicians to confidently assess and triage common mental health conditions in children and adolescents. I am inspired by community-based outreach models that bring psychiatric expertise directly to underserved communities. Programs like street psychiatry demonstrate how interdisciplinary teams can effectively meet vulnerable populations where they are. I would like to adapt this model to include family physicians alongside psychiatrists, allowing primary care providers to gain hands-on experience managing behavioral health conditions in community settings while strengthening referral networks and continuity of care. As youth face growing stressors, from academic pressure to climate anxiety to the mental health effects of social media, primary care must be increasingly equipped to address complex mental health needs, especially in communities where specialty care remains limited. As a family physician, I hope to help bridge the divide between primary care, psychiatry, and community organizations so that no child faces mental health challenges without a pathway to support.
Sandy’s Scholarship
Winner
When my father was nineteen years old, his family’s home burned down. He and his family were homeless for nearly two years. That tragedy shaped the rest of his life, inspiring him to work for NYC’s Department of Homeless Services so that he could help people enduring the same hardships he once faced. Because of his influence, I grew up volunteering in homeless shelters throughout my childhood. From an early age, I learned how profoundly poverty harms the physical and mental health of marginalized communities. I met people who lost sight and limbs because they could not afford insulin, and others who lost loved ones to preventable diseases that went untreated due to limited access to care. Their pain and resilience was both devastating yet deeply motivating. I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to mitigating health inequities and providing compassionate care to communities that society has historically ignored, cast away, or left behind. My passion for geriatric care deepened when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. My family became her caregivers, and I learned firsthand the physical and emotional toll of supporting a loved one with degenerative memory loss. Years of watching my grandmother slowly disappear into a shell of her once vibrant personality led me to center my Girl Scout Gold Award project on a 150-hour Alzheimer’s education initiative for families, especially children and adolescents, grappling with the same confusion and grief I once felt. I wanted to transform the pain and helplessness I carried as a teenager into resources and understanding for others, because that is what my Grandma June would have wanted. Through this experience, I learned the power of holistic care in honoring dignity, promoting patient autonomy, easing fear, and uplifting families during some of life’s most difficult transitions. These early lessons are what led me to pursue a dual MD/MPH. In my training, I’ve focused on underserved populations, chronic disease prevention, nutrition insecurity, and community partnerships. Whether volunteering with older adults, engaging in dementia-related health education, or contributing to global public health projects in Mozambique, I have centered empathy, advocacy, and service in everything I do. Though the path has been long and sometimes challenging, my goal remains clear: to become a family physician who integrates public health principles into primary care: expanding access, empowering communities, and supporting patients and caregivers with the compassion and dignity they deserve. Sandy Dykshoorn’s legacy speaks to me deeply. She was known for her selflessness, her advocacy, and her dedication to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, values that have also shaped my life and aspirations. I hope to continue her legacy as a future family physician who not only provides medical care, but also stands beside patients and caregivers with compassion, understanding, and unwavering support. Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to carry forward Sandy’s spirit of service and caregiving in my work as a physician committed to equity, community, and dignity for all. Attached is a photo of me volunteering with Georgetown University School of Medicine’s student-run HOYA Clinic, where we provide free health and nutrition education and annual flu vaccinations to underserved communities in the Washington, D.C. area.
Dr. Michael Paglia Scholarship
Winner
I chose to pursue a career in medicine because of its unique intersection of science, empathy, and advocacy. My passion for healthcare was ignited by personal experiences that showed me the profound impact compassionate care can have on individuals and communities, particularly those often overlooked by the healthcare system. As a clinical intern at Concord Nursing Home, I worked with elderly patients, including Ms. R, a frail British woman in her late 80s who suffered from Lewy Body Dementia. She was often labeled “difficult” due to her psychotic episodes and confusion, but I saw someone in need of understanding. During a particularly tense wound care session, I instinctively grabbed her hand to calm her and softly sang “Taps,” a hymn I remembered from my Girl Scout days. To my surprise, her agitation melted away, and the care team was able to proceed. That moment reinforced the importance of seeing patients as whole individuals, not just as diagnoses or symptoms. It reminded me that medicine is not only about treating physical ailments but also about addressing emotional and psychological needs. Throughout my life, I’ve been inspired by examples of healthcare providers who go above and beyond to connect with their patients. These interactions—whether offering a quiet prayer or sharing a joke—have shaped my aspiration to be a physician who alleviates fear and builds trust. I want to help my patients view medical spaces not as places of discomfort or intimidation but as sources of healing, empowerment, and education. The COVID-19 pandemic further solidified my commitment to healthcare. Volunteering as a community canvasser in New York City, I had conversations with people hesitant about vaccines. While some voiced conspiracy theories, others shared deeply personal reasons for their mistrust: historical medical injustices, dismissive treatment by providers, or feeling unseen and unheard. Listening to these stories deepened my desire to bridge gaps in understanding and trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. I am currently pursuing a dual MD/MPH degree, which equips me to address health disparities on both individual and systemic levels. My public health work with Feeding the Change in Mozambique has allowed me to tackle barriers to hydrocephalus surgery for children and implement interventions for acute malnutrition. Volunteering with Jardin de Zoey in Côte d’Ivoire has focused my efforts on disseminating health resources related to mental health, environmental health, and gender-based violence. These experiences have shown me the transformative potential of combining clinical practice with public health initiatives. In the future, I aim to open a family medicine practice in an underserved community, where I can implement evidence-based preventative health interventions tailored to the needs of my patients. I aspire to create a space where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable—where every patient feels valued and cared for. My ultimate goal is to be a physician who not only treats illnesses but also advocates for systemic changes that promote health equity. Medicine is my chosen path because it allows me to combine my love of science with a deep commitment to serving others. Through compassionate care, public health advocacy, and patient education, I hope to help my future patients find comfort, empowerment, and better health outcomes.
Public Service Scholarship
When my father was nineteen, a devastating fire destroyed his family home, leaving him, my uncles, and my grandmother homeless for nearly two years. This experience profoundly influenced my father's career path, leading him to work with NYC’s Department of Homeless Services. As a child, I accompanied him to meet his clients, which exposed me to the harsh realities and stigma faced by homeless individuals. I was deeply moved by the severe impact of inadequate access to quality healthcare on both their physical and mental well-being. This early exposure inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, driven by a commitment to improve care for underserved and marginalized communities. During my undergraduate studies at Macaulay Honors Brooklyn College, I actively engaged in healthcare advocacy and service. I volunteered as a clinical intern at a critically underfunded nursing home in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. There, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of insufficient resources, with patients often suffering from preventable conditions due to delays in medical supplies and severe understaffing. Despite these challenges, I found profound satisfaction in providing essential care and supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments. This experience solidified my determination to specialize in primary care and serve historically marginalized populations. In addition to my clinical experience, I dedicated myself to health education by teaching classes in underfunded high schools, addressing critical gaps in health literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the disparities in healthcare access. As a volunteer with a public health organization, I assisted in disseminating information and resources about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to low-income communities across NYC. This role reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education in enhancing community health outcomes. At Georgetown University, I continue to pursue my passion through academic excellence and community service. As part of the Population Health Scholars Track, I am involved in research focused on enhancing cancer screening equity—a crucial step in reducing health disparities. Leading Georgetown’s Street Medicine Outreach program, I work closely with local communities to provide essential health services and advocate for comprehensive healthcare solutions. This year, I will complete my Master of Public Health at St. Ambrose University, where I will deepen my knowledge of epidemiology, advocacy for policy reform, and community health program development. Looking ahead, my goal as a future physician is to establish sustainable healthcare initiatives that prioritize preventive care and mental health support for underserved populations. I envision creating educational workshops to empower communities with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed health decisions, addressing healthcare inequities at their roots. I am committed to using my skills and experiences to drive meaningful change and advance health equity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they deserve.
Kaylin Camidge Student Profile | Bold.org